Thank you for the replies..
There was a noise before disassembly that I believe to be chain noise. (this link :
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nESH5um2LB7S11LN6) You can hear it around 30 secs in when the variocam system activates.
I did find worn variocam guides which are now replaced but they had not failed. I am also replacing all 3 tensioners (and the cam chains on both banks).
I decided to order a new lifter just in case yesterday.. should arrive today.. personally 24 of them even at the oem price ~25$ a piece is a bit more then i want to spend for no good reason.